I’ve been doing some observing at the Fort Fisher Aquarium and State Park, and have noticed that there weren’t as many birds as before! I think Hurricane Irene may have scared them off, but the ones that I did see were mostly unbanded which was interesting. Also, I’ve been noticing that the grown male birds aren’t around as much anymore, but that the young green birds with molting may be males! They look so different when they have molting, more like finches. It’s hard to recognize them! Other than that, observing is going well.
October 11, and still at least one "green" here. I agree with Debra. It is one strange year. I am almost 2 months later than I would expect. Bizarre--and I don't seem to be the only one noting it.
Ray Swagerty--Charleston, SC
As of the 6th I still have one banded male here in SC. I have to say it again, this is one strange year.
The buntings that visit our feeders here in Wellington, Florida (Palm Beach County) have not arrived. They are at least a month overdue and I am now beginning to wonder what has happened. We had close to a dozen buntings as daily visitors last "season". Other friends have not seen buntings here either. Any ideas as to what may be going on???
Hi Susan - Your answer may be found above and below your comment - our friends in South Carolina are still spotting green PBs, so these beautiful birds may be taking their time leaving their summer homes! The weather has been fairly temperate in the Carolinas throughout September and into October, so they may not head south until it gets really chilly. And don't forget, the peak fall migration for Painted Buntings is mid-October through early November, so although your own experience is that they normally arrive in September, they are not unusually late (for the species)! We look forward to hearing that you've spotted your first PB on the feeder in Wellington! -- Leah
Oct. 6, and still "green" in the SC lowcountry. Another one this morning.
Ray Swagerty--Charleston, SC
Mine are here, on schedule, in NE Broward Co, FL. They are really loyal to their wintering sites!
Oct. 5, and two "greens" simultaneously this morning, on different millet cages. At least 2 are still around.
Ray Swagerty--Charleston, SC
Followup to my posted comment of October 3, 2011. I now have 1 pair (1 green, 1 male Painted Bunting) spending a good deal of time at the feeder today, October 4. I looked at sighting calender for last year, it was October 4 when I had my first sighting of them last year too. 1 pair so far. We are so glad to have the Buntings back again this year. Debbie Beracha
To concur with Debra, I still have at least a "green" here as of October 4. I had not noted a PB since Sept. 19. Till this year my latest ever was Sept. 16. It just goes to show----always be on the lookout! They don't always play by "the rules." In 2007, I saw a male here in mid-Feb!
Ray Swagerty- Charleston, SC
I don't think they it scared them away at my yard. This is the latest I have ever had them stay. As of tonight 3 Oct., I still have at least 3 still here. May be more but I spent a lot of time today building new roost boxes for the winter birds and only did a late observation.
My first sighting for the season was 1 male Painted Bunting on September 29. I just caught a glimpse. He did not stay. Today, I have 1 green bird that has been visiting the feeder, maybe 3 times now so far. I can't wait, hope many more birds show up to spend the winter with us in Pompano Beach, Florida.
I still have 3 adult banded males and numerous green birds at my home on middle sound, SE NC. The 2nd year molting males, I have noticed that the back might be first with a more bright green. I would think the 2nd year males would have already molted. Not sure. Thank you for your report. best - glenn